Nutrient intake and food consumption among pregnant women from an agricultural region of Morocco

This study aimed to assess dietary intake and nutrient adequacy in pregnant women selected from an agricultural region of Morocco. On a sample of 172 pregnant women from rural and urban areas, data on socio-demographic characteristics and dietary habits by a quantified food frequency were collected using questionnaires. Mean daily intakes of energy and nutrients were estimated and compared to reference nutrient intakes (RNI). The results show that the mean daily intakes of energy (3110.9 kcal in urban; 2707.5 kcal in rural) and some nutrients were adequate. However, iron, folate, zinc and calcium intakes were inadequate for the majority of women and more markedly in rural area. Education level appeared to affect nutrient intakes while no differences were registered across pregnancy stages or according to household size. The study suggests that an education program should be conducted to improve dietary intakes in order to prevent risks for pregnancy outcome in this population.